JP2002268185A - Ambient condition sensor for photosensitive material, photosensitive material, and photosensitive media cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To match the time when a photosensitive medium is adapted to ambient conditions to the response time of a ambient condition detecting element such as a humidity detecting element. SOLUTION: To sense the humidity condition in a cartridge 85 which houses the photosensitive medium 47', the humidity detecting element 87 is provided in it. When the cartridge is positional at a media transfer position on an image forming device that permits the conveyance of the medium 47' from the cartridge 85 to the image forming device, an image is developed or printed on the medium in the image forming device under the detected humidity condition in the cartridge. The humidity detecting element has a cover layer and a conductive layer and the rate of response to ambient conditions of the cover layer matches the rate of response to ambient conditions of the photosensitive medium to be developed. As another method, the medium itself has a conductive layer and can be the sensor.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a detecting element for detecting an environmental condition inside a photosensitive medium cartridge, or at least an environmental condition in an environment surrounding a medium or a substance in the cartridge. The present invention further relates to an image forming apparatus for controlling an image forming operation of a photosensitive material in an image forming device based on detected environmental conditions.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A detecting device such as a humidity detecting element for detecting environmental conditions is known. There are many mechanisms for detecting humidity by the humidity detecting element. Some examples use conductivity, capacitance, and resistivity to name a few. A humidity detecting element utilizing these mechanisms is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 73,813, No. 4,298,855, No. 4,63
Nos. 5,027 and 5,348,761. These commercially available humidity sensing elements are typically designed to respond quickly to changes in humidity.

An image forming apparatus for processing a photosensitive medium, that is, a photosensitive material containing a microencapsulated colorant is known. In these imagers, the microcapsules are exposed based on image information. When exposed to light, the microcapsules can change their mechanical strength, and when crushed and crushed by applying pressure, the colorant and other substances encapsulated in the microcapsules are released, and development takes place. Done. For example, in some systems, pressure is applied using a pair of upper and lower nip rollers. In such a system, the photosensitive medium passes between a pair of upper and lower nip rollers, pressure is applied by the nip rollers, the microcapsules are broken, and development is started. Image forming apparatuses using the microencapsulated photosensitive composition are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,399,209 and 4,41.
No. 6,966, No. 4,440,846, No. 4,76
Nos. 6,050, 5,783,353 and 5,9
No. 16,727.

[0004]

A problem with processing photosensitive media having microencapsulated chromogenic material, i.e., a photosensitive material, is that printing and / or imaging can be adversely affected by environmental conditions. It is.
That is, environmental conditions around the photosensitive medium or in a cartridge with the photosensitive medium can adversely affect subsequent printing or development of the image. More specifically, the environmental conditions such as the humidity around the photosensitive medium and the humidity in the cartridge containing the photosensitive medium are one or more of the coloring material, the encapsulating substance, or the photosensitive medium. All of them can be adversely affected. In addition, the degree of hardening or curing of the microcapsules and the concomitant increase in the viscosity of the microcapsules changes with changes in humidity. As a result, photographic properties such as speed, minimum density, maximum density, fog density and full color image formation can be adversely affected.

As mentioned above, commercially available humidity sensing elements are typically designed to respond quickly to changes in humidity. On the other hand, photosensitive media or materials tend to respond slowly to environmental changes. That is, photosensitive media tend to exhibit low equilibrium speeds. Thus, commercially available humidity sensing elements do not respond at the same speed as the photosensitive medium or material, so that these sensing elements do not accurately represent the relative humidity levels on or around the photosensitive medium. . Thus, when a commercially available humidity sensing element that responds quickly to humidity changes is used in conjunction with a photosensitive medium that responds slowly to changes in humidity, printing parameters for the photosensitive medium are no longer controlled under optimal conditions. It will be. More specifically, when a commercially available humidity detecting element is used for detecting the humidity value of a cartridge using a photosensitive material, when the cartridge is placed in an image forming apparatus, the humidity of the photosensitive material may be reduced. The humidity detection element responds faster than it does. Therefore, the humidity value detected by the humidity detecting element does not represent the humidity value around the photosensitive medium. Thus, printing parameters are controlled based on humidity values that do not reflect the humidity level on or around the photosensitive medium.

The present invention relates to an environmental condition detecting element such as a humidity detecting element having a response time equal to or adapted to the response time of a photosensitive medium, that is, a photosensitive material, a method for manufacturing the environmental detecting element, and a method for manufacturing the environmental detecting element. An image forming apparatus to be used and a method for processing a photosensitive material that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages are provided.

[0007]

More specifically, the present invention involves first exposing a photosensitive medium containing photosensitive, breakable microcapsules and then applying pressure to the photosensitive medium. The present invention relates to an image forming device that can be developed. In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, environmental conditions such as humidity in the image forming device are directly detected from the medium or detected in a cartridge containing the medium, and at least one adjustment is performed based on the detected environmental conditions. By adjusting the possible parameters, the quality of the printed image can be improved. Therefore, as an example, the controller or the developing member of the present invention can adjust the amount of pressure applied to the microcapsules according to the detected humidity condition.

[0008] As indicated above, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the photosensitive medium contains photosensitive breakable microcapsules. After exposing the microcapsules, pressure is applied using a needle or a pinch roller for breaking the unexposed microcapsules and development is performed. Thereafter, the developed print can be fixed with heat supplied by a heater in the image forming device. In the present invention,
After detecting the relative humidity level in the media cartridge and / or directly on the photosensitive medium, inside and / or outside the image forming device, at least one of the parameters of exposure, development pressure, printing speed, or fusing temperature is determined. Automatically adjust based on the relative humidity level to provide an improved image. As an example, by adjusting the printing speed of the printer, the so-called "dark time", which is the time between exposure and development, can be changed. The darkness time affects the hardness of the microcapsules and thus their crushability. Also, in the context of the present invention, the concept of detecting the relative humidity level on the photosensitive medium means detecting the moisture content on or around the photosensitive medium, that is, the photosensitive material.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to an environmental condition detecting element for detecting an environmental condition in a cartridge holding a photosensitive material. The environmental condition detecting element includes a top layer, an emulsion layer, a conductive layer, and a bottom support layer. In the present invention, the response speed to the environmental conditions of at least one of the top layer, the emulsion layer and the bottom support layer is compatible with the response speed of the photosensitive material in the cartridge to the environmental conditions.

The present invention further relates to a light-sensitive material having a transparent support layer, an image forming layer, a conductive layer, and a base layer.
The photosensitive material is disposed in a cartridge that holds the photosensitive material to be developed and detects environmental conditions surrounding the photosensitive material in the cartridge.

According to the present invention, there is further provided a housing for holding a bundle of photosensitive materials, and an environmental condition around a photosensitive medium in the housing, the detected environmental condition being detected. A photosensitive medium cartridge comprising an environmental condition detecting element for providing an environmental condition signal to be represented. Development of the photosensitive medium is performed based on the detected environmental conditions. The environmental condition sensing element includes a transparent top layer, an emulsion layer, a conductive layer, and a bottom support layer. The response speed of at least one of the transparent top layer, emulsion layer and bottom support layer to environmental conditions is compatible with the response speed of the photosensitive medium in the enclosure to environmental conditions.

The present invention further relates to a photosensitive medium cartridge having a housing for holding a bundle of photosensitive media. At least one photosensitive medium in the bundle of photosensitive media includes a transparent support layer, an image forming layer, a conductive layer, and a base layer. At least one photosensitive medium having the conductive layer detects an environmental condition around the photosensitive medium in the housing.

The present invention further relates to an image forming apparatus provided with an image forming device for forming a latent image on a photosensitive medium and a medium cartridge for holding a bundle of photosensitive media inside. The media cartridge is inserted into the imager and enables transport of the photosensitive media to the imager. The medium cartridge includes an environmental condition detecting element that detects an environmental condition around the medium in the cartridge, and performs the development of the photosensitive medium in the image forming apparatus based on the detected environmental condition. The environmental condition detecting element includes a transparent top layer, an emulsion layer, a conductive layer, and a bottom support layer, and a response speed to environmental conditions of at least one of the transparent top layer, emulsion layer, and bottom support layer,
Compatible with the response speed of the photosensitive medium in the media cartridge to environmental conditions.

The present invention further relates to an image forming apparatus provided with an image forming device for forming a latent image on a photosensitive medium and a medium cartridge for holding a bundle of photosensitive media. At least one photosensitive medium in the bundle of photosensitive media includes a transparent support layer, an image forming layer, a conductive layer, and a base layer. At least one photosensitive medium having the conductive layer detects environmental conditions around the photosensitive medium in the housing, and development of the photosensitive medium in the image forming apparatus is performed based on the detected environmental conditions. Will be

[0015] The present invention further relates to a photosensitive medium cartridge having a housing for holding a bundle of photosensitive media. All photosensitive media in this bundle of photosensitive media have a transparent support layer, an image-forming layer, a conductive layer and a base layer. The photosensitive medium having the conductive layer detects an environmental condition around the photosensitive medium in the housing.

The present invention further relates to an image forming apparatus provided with an image forming device for forming a latent image on a photosensitive medium, and a medium cartridge for holding a bundle of photosensitive media. All photosensitive media in this bundle of photosensitive media include a transparent support layer, an image forming layer, a conductive layer and a base layer. The photosensitive medium having the conductive layer detects environmental conditions around the photosensitive medium in the housing, and development of the photosensitive medium in the image forming apparatus is performed based on the detected environmental conditions.

The present invention further relates to a method of manufacturing an environmental condition detecting element for a photosensitive medium to be developed. This method
Forming at least one coating layer on the conductive layer, and placing the conductive layer having at least one coating layer formed thereon in a cartridge holding a photosensitive medium to be developed therein Wherein at least the response speed of the coating layer to environmental conditions is matched with the response speed of the photosensitive medium in the cartridge to environmental conditions.

The present invention further provides an environmental condition detecting element for detecting an environmental condition around a photosensitive medium in a cartridge, the device comprising at least a coating layer and a conductive layer, and at least a response to the environmental condition of the coating layer. Providing an environmental condition detecting element in the cartridge holding the photosensitive medium therein so that the speed matches the response speed to the environmental condition of the photosensitive medium in the medium cartridge, and placing the cartridge at the insertion position of the image forming apparatus Inserting the photosensitive medium to allow the photosensitive medium to move from the cartridge to the image forming apparatus, detecting an environmental condition around the photosensitive medium via an environmental condition detecting element, and exposing the photosensitive medium based on the detected environmental condition. Controlling the development of the conductive medium.

The present invention further provides an image forming apparatus for a photosensitive medium, comprising a coating layer and a conductive layer, wherein the response speed of the coating layer to environmental conditions is adapted to the response speed of the photosensitive medium to be developed to environmental conditions. For detecting environmental conditions for use.

[0020]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the drawings, in which figures the same reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming device 15 of the present invention. Image former 15 may be, for example, a printer having an opening 17 for receiving a cartridge 85 containing a photosensitive medium 47. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,114, the cartridge may be a light-tight cartridge having photosensitive sheets or media or photosensitive materials stacked thereon. When this cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus 15, for example, a supply mechanism having a supply roller 21a that operates in combination with a mechanism in the cartridge in the image forming apparatus 15 and a mechanism in the cartridge cooperate with each other to form a well-known mechanism. One sheet at a time is pulled out of the cartridge into the image forming device 15 by the above method. Once inserted into the image forming device 15, the photosensitive medium 47 moves along the medium path 19, for example, the drive roller 21 connected to a drive mechanism such as a motor.
Transported by This photosensitive medium passes beside the drawing head 25. The drawing head 25 can include a plurality of light emitting elements effective for exposing a latent image on a photosensitive medium based on image information. After the latent image has been formed, the photosensitive medium is transported past a developing member, such as a pressure applicator or assembly 27. The pressure applicator 27 forms an image such as a color image based on image information by applying pressure to and crushing the microcapsules having the encapsulated image forming material therein. In the context of the present invention, the image-forming materials include materials for colorants (used to form images) or for black and white media. After forming the image, the photosensitive medium is
And fix the image on the medium. In the pass-through unit, the photosensitive medium can then be withdrawn from outlet 32. As yet another option, the image forming device 15 can be configured to transport the photosensitive medium or
And a return unit.

In a feature of the present invention, the image forming device 15
Has a microprocessor or controller 30 described in detail in FIG. The controller 30 controls several printing parameters relating to the development of the image on the photosensitive medium. For example, the controller 30 can control parameters such as exposure, pressure application, fixing temperature, and motor speed of the printer.

Referring to FIG. 2, a first feature of the image forming device 15 and the controller 30 of the present invention resides in control of printing conditions based on the detected environmental conditions. More specifically, the controller 30 controls the pressure assembly 2 depending on environmental conditions.
7 is supplied with a pressure increase signal or a pressure decrease signal to control the pressure applied by the pressure assembly 27, that is, the crushing force.

In the example of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, the controller 30 is operatively associated with an environmental condition detecting element for detecting an environmental condition in the image forming unit 15. As shown in FIG. 2, the environment detecting element may be a humidity detecting element 33 that detects a humidity condition in the image forming device 15. As will be described in detail later, the present invention is not limited to the detection of humidity in the image forming device 15. It should be noted that the humidity can be detected outside the image forming device 15. In the context of the present invention, humidity is detected directly within or around the photosensitive media cartridge or from the photosensitive media itself, or from all of them.

Once the humidity detecting element 33 detects the humidity, a signal indicating the humidity is transmitted to the lookup table 34.
Look-up table 34 may have a plurality of reference humidity values to compare with the detected humidity value. In the context of the present invention, the term reference humidity value refers to a humidity level, more preferably a response curve (of printing pressure to humidity). As an alternative, an equation or direct circuit can be used rather than using a lookup table. Once this comparison has been made, controller 30 drives drive circuit 35 to control the application of pressure in pressure assembly 27. As an example, when the detected humidity is high, a large pressure is applied (for example, a pressure higher than a reference humidity value of 30%), and when the detected humidity value is low, the pressure applied to the photosensitive medium is reduced (for example, 3
Pressure below the reference humidity value of 0%). It should be noted that the invention is of course not limited to the above reference humidity values. It should be noted that the reference humidity value can be any value set based on the desired result. As an example, a reference humidity value that can provide consistent photosensitivity can be used.

As another example, reducing the pressure applied to the photosensitive material, increasing the exposure level, or reducing the printing speed is effective when the detected humidity is low. These changes can be made in response to calibrated information stored as bar codes on the printer or cartridge. Under certain conditions, it is desirable to change several parameters simultaneously according to the humidity information to optimize the printing conditions.

Calibrated information for a given type of media can be obtained, for example, by testing the photosensitive properties of the media as a function of printing pressure or exposure level. The detailed response of printing pressure to humidity varies with the medium.
However, the mechanical properties of the microcapsule-containing layer change with humidity, and it can generally be theorized that humidity changes the response of the microcapsule-containing layer to printing pressure. For example, if the microcapsule-containing layer is hard at low humidity (eg, 30% relative humidity), the microcapsules will break more easily. If the microcapsule layer becomes more flexible at high humidity (eg, 80% relative humidity), it becomes more difficult to break the microcapsules. This can change the amount of colorant released from the microcapsules during the printing process. Thus, the reference humidity varies with the type of medium and the exposure level.

Therefore, when the detected humidity is higher than the reference humidity, the drive circuit supplies a signal to the pressure assembly 27 to increase the amount of pressure applied to the photosensitive medium, and when the detected humidity is low, the drive circuit turns the pressure assembly 27 on. To reduce the amount of pressure applied to the photosensitive medium.

As indicated above, the controller 30
In addition to controlling the functions of the drawing head 25 and the heater 29, the controller controls the motor 37 for driving the roller 21 to convey the medium 47 through the image forming device 15, thereby controlling the printing speed. As another option, these functions can be controlled based on the detected humidity value. Still other features of the image former 15 and the controller 30 include a control panel 41 that allows a user to control the image former 15, an image card 39 that can have image information about the image to be developed and printed, and It includes a display 80 (FIG. 1) for displaying information such as image information and a detected humidity value.

As yet another option, the image to be printed by the image forming device 15 can be transferred or uploaded to the image forming device 15 via the Internet or a computer. For example, as shown in FIG.
5 or controller 30 may include a modem 800 for communicating with a network service provider 801 such as the Internet. Thus, the image can be transferred from the Internet to the image forming device 15 and then printed. As yet another example, image former 15 or controller 30 may have a PC interface 803 that communicates with a computer 805, such as a personal computer. Thus, the image stored in the computer 805 can be transferred to the image forming device 15 and then printed. As yet another option, the computer 805 can communicate with the network service provider 801 to download images from the Internet to the image former 15 via the computer 805.

3 to 5 are views of the pressure assembly 27 according to an embodiment of the present invention from different viewpoints. The pressure assembly 27 includes a crushing roller and the photosensitive medium 4.
7 at one point. More specifically, pressure assembly 27 includes photosensitive medium 47
Has a slide 45 extending along the width direction of the slide. A squeezing roller device 49 that can move along the length direction of the slide 45, that is, across the width of the photosensitive medium 47, is movably mounted on the slide 45. The crushing roller 49 contacts one surface of the photosensitive medium 47. Beam 51
Are arranged to be in contact with the opposite side of the photosensitive medium 47, and are opposed to the crushing roller 49. Beam 5
When 1 and the crushing roller device 49 come into contact with the photosensitive medium 47 from opposite sides, respectively, they come into point contact with the photosensitive medium 47. The crushing roller device 49 moves along the width direction of the photosensitive medium 47 so as to crush the microcapsules, release the colorant, and process image information such as image information supplied by the image card 39. .

An arm 53 having an extension or seat position 55 extends from beam 51. Further, a compression spring 57 for urging the beam 51 so as to contact the lower surface of the photosensitive medium 47 is provided on the beam 51. The beam 51 and the arm 53 are supported by the pivot 59 so as to be movable around the pivot 59 as shown by an arrow 61, that is, rotatable. Thus, the compression spring 57 urges the beam 51 and the arm 53 to rotate clockwise about the center of rotation 59, and urges the beam 51 to contact the lower surface of the medium 47. In yet another feature of the pressure assembly 27 shown in FIGS. 3-5, an electromagnet 60 is positioned adjacent the extension 55.

Therefore, the pressure spring 57 urges the beam 51 clockwise so as to dispose the beam 51 at the pressure application position. An electromagnet 60 mounted on a printer frame (not shown) applies an initial attractive force to the extension 55 and the arm 53 to help maintain the beam 51 at the pressure application position. As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure assembly 27 includes a controller 30
Receive the signal from. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 5, the electromagnet 60 is operatively connected to the controller 30 via the drive circuit 35.

The operation of the pressure assembly 27 will now be described. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, in one embodiment of the present invention, the humidity in the housing of the image forming device 15 is detected by a humidity detecting element 33. The humidity detecting element 33 supplies a signal to a look-up table 34 in the controller 30. When the detected humidity is higher than the humidity reference value or response curve, a pressure increase signal is applied to the drive circuit 35 to increase the pressure applied by the pressure assembly 27. More specifically, in response to the pressure increase signal, the controller 30 interacts with the electromagnet 60 to increase the attraction applied to the extension 55 and subsequently the arm 53, thus increasing the initial attraction to the arm 53. And the beam 51 are further rotated clockwise toward the photosensitive medium 47. This allows
The pressure applied by the beam 51 to the photosensitive medium 47 increases, and the beam 5
1 and the crushing force applied to the microcapsules via the crushing roller 49 increases. When the humidity detected by the humidity detecting element 33 is smaller than the reference humidity value, the controller 30 supplies a signal to the drive circuit 35 to reduce the pressure applied by the pressure assembly 27. In this case,
The controller 30 interacts with the electromagnet 60 to reduce the attractive force back to the initial attractive force. Thus, when the electromagnet 60 receives from the controller 30 a signal indicating that the detected humidity is lower than the reference humidity, a pressure decrease signal is supplied from the controller 30 to the electromagnet 60. This signal causes the electromagnet 60 to return the attractive force to the arm 53 to the initial attractive force, thereby returning the beam 51 and the arm 53 to the initial pressure application position.

It should be noted that the configuration of the pressure assembly 27 is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIGS. By way of example, the pressure assembly may take the form of a full-length clamp spring responsive to magnetic forces, or may take the form of a pulley and tension spring arrangement which is biased by a motor.

According to the present invention, as described above, the image forming device 15
The measurement of environmental conditions such as humidity in the room has been described. As suggested above, the invention is not limited to such an arrangement. For example, the humidity in the cartridge holding the photosensitive medium supplied to the image forming device 15 can be detected. 6 and 7 show an embodiment for detecting the humidity in the cartridge.

More specifically, FIG.
It is a development view of the cartridge 85 holding 7 '. The medium 47 'may be of the type having microcapsules with a colorant. As shown in FIG. 6, the media cartridge 85 has a top portion 85a and a bottom portion 85a in which the medium 47 'can be housed and one can snap over the other.
Define a housing with b. The cartridge 85 further has a light blocking door 85c and a spring plate 89.
More specifically, one of the top 85a and the bottom 85b of the cartridge 85 includes a first contact plate 90 having a first electrode 91 and a second contact plate 95 having a second electrode 97. Having. A sampling member or dielectric layer 93 is sandwiched between the first and second contact plates 90 and 95. The sampling member 93 is
It may be a substance that can respond to or respond to the humidity conditions in the cartridge 85. Examples of such substances include:
There may be a salt solution impregnated cloth or various hydrophilic polymers.

Therefore, in the configuration of FIG.
7 and 91 provide capacitors, and the measured humidity is a function of capacitance. The electrodes 97 and 91 are the spring plate 8
9 protruding through the notch 99 and the corresponding notch in the bottom 85b, the detection element 87 installed in the cartridge 85 and the controller 30 installed in the image forming device 15
Make physical contact with Based on the signal from the humidity sensing element 87, the controller 30 controls the application of pressure through the pressure assembly 27 in the manner described with respect to FIGS. The humidity detecting element 87 shown in FIG.
Can be used in place of the humidity detecting element 33 in the housing of the above, and can be used together with the humidity detecting element 33. As described above, high humidity provides a signal that increases the pressure applied to pressure assembly 27, while low humidity provides a signal to control pressure assembly to reduce crush pressure by controller 30. Supplied to Thus, an imaging device or assembly includes at least a cartridge and an imager.

Another method of measuring humidity as a function of capacitance can be performed in the housing of imager 15. In this example, the contact plates 90 and 95 having the electrodes 91 and 97 are mounted at a predetermined distance from each other, and are installed in the path of the medium. As the media 47 'travels through the imager 15 along the media path, the media 47' stops momentarily when there is enough area for the media between the contact plates. Here, the medium 47 'is used as a sampling member, and the capacitance is measured.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment for detecting the humidity in the cartridge. More specifically, FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the cartridge 85 'holding the photosensitive medium 47'. The medium 47 'can be of the type having microcapsules with a colorant. As shown in FIG. 8, the media cartridge 85 'is closed at the top and the bottom portions 85a' and 85a for storing the medium 47 'therein.
A housing having b 'is defined. The cartridge 85 ′
It further has a light blocking door 85c 'and a spring plate 89'. More specifically, the top and bottom portions 85a ', 8a of the cartridge 85' are described.
5b 'includes a humidity detecting element 87', the humidity detecting element 87 'includes a substrate 400, and further includes a substrate 40
Numeral 0 is provided with conductive terminals that mesh with each other on a substrate on which a protective film is formed with a substance sensitive to humidity such as a hydrophilic polymer. Humidity affects the electrical properties of the polymer,
The relative humidity is obtained directly from the equivalent resistance or conductivity of the sensing element. The electrodes 91 ′ and 97 project from the cutouts at the bottom 85 b ′ of the cartridge 85 ′, and
The detection element 87 ′ provided in the 5 ′ is brought into physical contact with the controller 30 provided in the image forming device 15.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, there is shown an embodiment of a humidity detecting element 500 according to the present invention. More specifically, the detection element 5 according to the present invention
00 is designed to have a response time equal to or adapted to the response time of the photosensitive medium. Detection element 5
No. 00 basically has a member sensitive to humidity, such as the emulsion layer 501. Humidity affects the electrical properties of emulsion layer 501, and relative humidity can be obtained directly from the equivalent resistance or conductivity of the sensing element. Humidity detection element 500
Has a top surface 503 and a bottom support 505. The conductive layer 5 is sandwiched between the bottom support 505 and the emulsion layer 501.
07 are present and the conductive layer 507 has interdigitated fingers with first and second electrical contacts 509a, 509b. The detection element 500 is characterized in that the coating layer, for example, the emulsion layer 501, at least one of the top surface 503 or the bottom support 505, is similar or adapted to the characteristics of the photosensitive material 47 'in the media cartridge 85 or 85'. Is made of a substance having More specifically, at least one of emulsion layer 501, top support 503, and bottom support 505 has a response speed to environmental conditions such as relative humidity in or around the photosensitive medium, and The speed is adapted to the response speed of the photosensitive material to environmental conditions. For example, a coating layer in the form of an emulsion layer 501 may have a response speed to environmental conditions that is compatible with the response speed of the medium in the cartridge to environmental conditions. With this device, the sensing element 500 will need to be pre-calibrated against the photosensitive medium in the cartridge. Therefore, when the cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus 15, the environmental condition is detected by the environmental condition detecting element 500.
, The detected environmental conditions will necessarily reflect the environmental conditions of the photosensitive material. For example, if the photosensitive material shows a slow response when the cartridge is inserted into the imager, the sensing element 500 may be used to provide an accurate measurement of the humidity level on the photosensitive medium.
Is suitable for the response speed of the photosensitive material. This signal is applied to contact 5 as described, for example, with respect to FIGS.
The signals are supplied to the controller 30 via 09a and 509b. More specifically, the contact points 509a and 509b protrude through the notch of the cartridge 85 or 85 ', and the detection element 500 and the image forming apparatus 1 installed in the cartridge.
The controller 5 is brought into physical contact with a controller 30 provided in the printer 5 to control development of the photosensitive material. Thus, the image forming apparatus includes at least the cartridge holding the detection element 500 and the image forming device 15.

As shown in FIG. 10, the environmental condition detecting element 5
In a preferred embodiment, the top support 50
3 and emulsion layer 501 do not extend over electrical contacts 509a, 509b. On the other hand, the length of the bottom support 505 is
The length is adapted to the length of the conductive layer 507 having the electrical contacts 509a and 509b. This allows the electrical contacts 509
a, 509b can be partially exposed on one surface.

It should be noted that the use of the environmental condition detecting element 500 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 does not limit the image forming apparatus described in this specification. More specifically, the environmental condition detecting element 500 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is used for developing a photosensitive medium in an image forming apparatus.
The present invention can be applied to any type of image forming apparatus as long as it is performed based on environmental conditions such as humidity on a photosensitive medium provided in a cartridge.

FIGS. 11 to 13 show still another embodiment of the environmental condition detecting element according to the present invention. 11 to 13
In the embodiment, the environmental condition detecting element takes the form of the photosensitive medium or the material itself. Thus, the environmental condition detecting element has the same configuration as that of the photosensitive medium, and must be calibrated in advance. 11 and 1
Reference numeral 2 denotes such a photosensitive medium 600, which is a detecting element that operates as an environmental condition detecting element. 11 and 1
As shown in FIG. 2, the medium 600 includes the first transparent support 60.
1. Undercoat layer 603, photo-curable microcapsules 6
And an image forming layer having an image forming layer 607 and a developer material 609, an adhesive layer 615, and a second support layer 614. The second support layer 614 comprises the opacifier 61
7 may or may not be included. See U.S. Patent No. 5,783,353 for features of photosensitive media.

In the feature of the present invention shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the photosensitive medium 600 further includes a layer 611 which is a conductive layer. In a preferred embodiment, the conductive layer 61
1 is a transparent or opaque second support layer 61
Matches 4 colors. In the embodiment of FIG.
The conductive layer 611 has electrical contacts 611a and 611b.
As shown in FIG. 12, in a preferred embodiment of the environment sensing element 600, the second support layer 614 and the adhesive layer 615 have a length that does not extend over the entire surface of the electrical contacts 611a, 611b. have. On the other hand, the length of the first transparent electrode 601 and the length of the undercoat layer 603 match the length of the conductive layer 611 having the electrical contacts 611a and 611b. As a result, the electrical contacts 611a, 6
11b can be partially exposed on one surface. In the present embodiment, the humidity affects the electrical characteristics of the image forming layer 605, and the relative humidity can be obtained directly from the equivalent resistance or the conductance of the detection element.

By using the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the photosensitive medium 600 can be arranged in the cartridge 85 "as shown in FIG.
Has top and bottom 85a "and 85b". In one aspect of the present invention, only one photosensitive medium in the bundle of photosensitive media 70 in the cartridge 85 "has the configuration shown in FIG. 11 and operates as an environmental condition detecting element. The photosensitive medium 600 acting as an environmental condition sensing element can be located at the bottom of the bundle of photosensitive medium bundles 70 and remains in the cartridge 85 "until all other photosensitive media has been removed. Will remain. Photosensitive medium 6 operating as environmental condition detecting element
00 is calibrated to the media and will accurately reflect environmental conditions such as humidity values around the media when the cartridge is inserted into the imager or imager. More specifically, the electrical contacts 611 shown in FIG.
a, 611b cooperate with the conductive contacts 893, 894 on the spring plate 89 "to supply electrical signals to the controller 30 located in the image forming device and control development as described above. Thus, the image forming apparatus operates at least as the photosensitive medium 600 that operates as an environmental condition detecting element.
And an image forming device 15.

As yet another option, all media in a bundle of photosensitive media can have a conductive layer, so that each individual media operates as an environmental condition sensing element, as shown in FIG. It will be.

FIGS. 15 to 17 show still another embodiment of the environmental condition detecting element according to the present invention. In the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 17, the environmental condition detecting element takes the form of a photosensitive medium, that is, the photosensitive material itself. Thus, the environmental condition detecting element has the same structure as the medium, and must be calibrated in advance. Figure 1
FIG. 5 and FIG. 16 show such a photosensitive medium, that is, an environmental condition detecting element 700. Environmental condition detecting element 700
Has a first transparent support 701, an undercoat layer 703, an image forming layer 705 having photocurable microcapsules 707 and developer material 709, an adhesive layer 715, and a second support layer 714. . Second support layer 614 may or may not include opacifier 717. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,783,353 for characteristics of photosensitive media.

In the features of the present invention shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the detecting element 700 further includes a layer 711 which is a conductive layer. In a preferred embodiment, the conductive layer 711
Is a transparent or opaque second support layer 714
The colors are in harmony. 15 and 16, the conductive layer 711 has electrical contacts 711a and 711b. As shown in FIG. 16, in a preferred embodiment of the environmental condition detecting element 700, the first transparent support 70
1. The undercoat layer 703 and the image forming layer 705 have a length that does not extend over the entire surface of the electrical contacts 711a and 711b. On the other hand, the length of the adhesive layer 715 and the second support layer 714 is matched to the length of the conductive layer 711 having the electrical contacts 711a and 711b. This allows a portion of the electrical contacts 711a and 711b to be exposed on one surface facing the exposed side of the electrical contact in the embodiment of FIG. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the humidity affects the electrical characteristics of the image forming layer 705, and the relative humidity can be obtained directly from the equivalent resistance or the conductance of the environmental condition detecting element.

By using the apparatus shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 relating to the exposed side of the contacts 711a and 711b, contact can be made as shown in FIG. More specifically, when the photosensitive medium 700 operating as an environmental condition detecting element is pulled out of the cartridge 85 and driven through the printing process along the medium path 19, the conductive fingers 719 connected to the controller 30 are connected to the electrical contacts 719. The electric signal is transmitted to the controller 30 by contacting the electric signals 711a and 711b. It should be appreciated that, similar to the embodiments described above, photosensitive medium 700 operating as an environmental condition sensing element is not limited to use in an image forming apparatus as described herein. More specifically,
The photosensitive medium 700 operating as an environmental condition detecting element
The present invention is applicable to all image forming apparatuses in which it is desired to control development based on environmental conditions around a medium in a cartridge.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a microprocessor that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view showing a first embodiment of a pressure applying assembly of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the pressure application assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is another view of the pressure application assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for detecting an environmental condition in a photosensitive medium cartridge according to a feature of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing another example of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another apparatus for detecting an environmental condition in a photosensitive medium cartridge according to a feature of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an environmental condition detecting element according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 5b-5b in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view showing another environmental condition detecting element according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 6b-6b in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates another apparatus for detecting environmental conditions in a photosensitive media cartridge according to another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates another apparatus for detecting environmental conditions in a photosensitive media cartridge according to yet another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a view showing still another environment detecting element according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along the line 7b-7b in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing another example of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

15 Image forming device, 33, 87, 87 ', 500 Environmental condition detecting element (humidity detecting element), 47, 47', 70,
600,700 photosensitive medium (photosensitive material), 85,8
5 ', 85 "cartridge, 503 upper surface (upper surface support), 85a, 85a', 85a" top, 85b, 8
5b ', 85b "bottom, 501 emulsion layer, 505 bottom support, 507, 611, 711 conductive layer, 605
705 Image constituent layer.

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) // G03F 7/004 514 G03F 7/004 514 F term (reference) 2G060 AA08 AB02 AE19 AF08 AF10 BA09 BB08 BD08 HC13 HC19 HC21 HC22 JA02 KA03 KA04 2H025 AA01 AB09 AC01 AD03 BC13 DA10 FA26

Claims (3)

[Claims] An environmental condition detecting element for detecting an environmental condition in a cartridge holding a photosensitive material, comprising: a top layer, an emulsion layer, a conductive layer, and a bottom support layer.
An environmental condition detecting element, wherein a response speed to environmental conditions of at least one of the top layer, the emulsion layer, and the bottom support layer is compatible with a response speed of the photosensitive material in the cartridge to the environmental conditions. . 2. A photosensitive material comprising a transparent support layer, an image forming layer, a conductive layer, and a base layer, wherein the photosensitive material comprises:
A photosensitive material, which is disposed in a cartridge holding a photosensitive material to be developed, and detects environmental conditions around the photosensitive material. 3. A housing for holding a bundle of photosensitive media, an environmental condition signal installed in the housing, detecting an environmental condition around the photosensitive medium in the housing, and representing the detected environmental condition. An environmental condition detecting element for performing development of the photosensitive medium based on the detected environmental condition, a photosensitive medium cartridge comprising: A layer, an emulsion layer, a conductive layer, and a bottom support layer, and the response speed of at least one of the transparent top layer, the emulsion layer, and the bottom support layer to the environmental condition is within the housing. A photosensitive medium cartridge adapted to a response speed of the photosensitive medium to the environmental condition.